Because Sometimes 140 Characters Just Isn't Enough

Category Archives: Generic Rants

I keep hearing about the debt ceiling. It’s all over the television. It’s smeared across every newspaper. Twitter is abuzz. Everyone has something to say about the debt ceiling. As I search for something to write about, I keep thinking that maybe I, too, have something to say about the debt ceiling. But the more I think about it, the more convinced I am that I do not have anything to say about the debt ceiling. Then it hit me: that’s the point.

I just wanted to post a quick link to a story over at Movieline.com about four movies that “are sure to cause dissent and controversy amongst the faithful.” Of the four, two are direct attacks on the person of Jesus Christ himself :The Final Testament of the Holy Bible, based on a book with James Frey credited as author (did he really write it? Or is it a product of an uncredited author at Full Fathom Five? I don’t know), and Jesus of Nazareth, written and directed by Paul Verhoven (Robocop, Starship Troopers, Showgirls). These attacks are not the first that He has endured, nor are they surprising; He told us: “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you.” (John 15:18 HCSB) The other two films are attacks on Mormonism and Scientology. I haven’t seen the Broadway show The Book of Mormon, but based on the songs that are referenced in this article, it seems that Parker and Stone, like many, don’t see Mormonism as anything other than a denomination of Christianity, no different than Baptists or Methodists. I am most surprised to see The Master even listed in here, because as the link from the article itself notes, there’s a real lack of support (funding) for this in Hollywood. You never know, though. After all, Bowfinger made it to theaters.

I’ve added a widget to my blog from SocialVibe supporting the American Diabetes Association. I chose this from the available charities not because the others weren’t good choices, but because I have Diabetes. But it’s not something I have to be saddled with. My choices put me here, and my choices can get me out. It doesn’t always work that way, for some people, though. Some people are afflicted not because they ate too much, or spent all day watching reruns of “M*A*S*H.” I’m not sure why they are afflicted, and they probably aren’t either. I’m not a doctor. I don’t research this stuff. I only know what I’ve been told in my short history with this disease, which isn’t much, truthfully. But I do know this: Diabetes is serious business. So, let’s help. I know there are always people, charities, governments, stores, and video game developers who want your money and/or time. But you know what? Instead of watching “Jersey Shore,” or “Teen Mom 2,” take some time for something serious. After all, it’s only one episode. It won’t kill you.
Thank you.

EDIT: I’ve removed the SocialVibe widget for the time being, and replaced it with links for how to help Joplin tornado victims.

I found this article via Stumble Upon, and I just had to say something about it. I know it’s old (it dates from August 2005), and there are already responses to it (I don’t subscribe to Harper’s, so I couldn’t read them). But I was immediately struck by this, because as I started the article, I was thinking, this guy’s right. He’s got it! But then his politics got in it, and then he just missed it. He makes the very valid point that the teachings of Jesus were radical and non-materialistic. He even says: “On and on and on—a call for nothing less than a radical, voluntary, and effective reordering of power relationships, based on the principle of love.” Voluntary. VOLUNTARY. Taxes are not voluntary. Taxes have never been voluntary. Jesus was asked about taxes. He brushed them off, saying, “Render therefore unto Ceasar the things which are Ceasar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matthew 22:21 KJV) He makes it pretty clear that he expects you as a Christian to do good works. He will hold each of us accountable for what we have done, and simply paying taxes won’t cut it. The government shouldn’t be in the business of loving thy neighbor, we should. So I have to ask the government to butt out, because He charged me—me personally—with this task. I have not done it well, but that’s between Him and me. The author here almost makes the point, but lets his politics cloud God’s message. There are good parts to this; there are things to think about here. I just don’t think Jesus was concerned about government healthcare. I don’t think His message had anything to do with the tax rate on a $250,000 home in Montgomery. It’s like the author slides right on up to it … then slides right on past the point. I would add something like: “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.'” (Matthew 9:13 NIV)

And it warrants saying again. Business was made for man, not man for business. In the end, not one single customer will attend my funeral, or even care when I pass. Which relationships are more important? The ones where I can have an impact. Of course, customer-service types would like you to belive that we can have an impact on those interactions, as well. And yes, you can. The same impact that a pebble in a stream has. Gone and forgotten. In the end, you’re not going to remember the reps you spoke to, and they’re not going to remember you. Done.

I want to start by saying hello to anyone who stops by to read this, and to offer a little “backstory” on this blog. I had an idea that I’ve since decided won’t work. Instead, I shall be honest about me, who I am, and what I’m working on. More later. Right now, I’m blogging this from my phone, and I don’t like typing that much from here.